Author // Georgina Auton, Place Graceville
Your tap has no water pressure. Your toilet is making strange gurgling noises. You’re at your wit’s end.
Let’s face it, we’ve all been there.
Plumbing can be confusing at the best of times, and as frustrating as it may seem, it’s important not to neglect it.
That’s why we sat down with owner of ONE2ONE Plumbing, David Green, who is a Graceville local, for a one-to-one chat on how important is it to maintain your pipes.
Can you tell me a bit about who you are and how you became a plumber?
I grew up in Chelmer and went to school in Corinda. I decided to do a plumbing apprenticeship when I left school.
I chose plumbing because to me it seemed to be the most interesting trade, as it involves complex problem solving.
What’s the easiest quick fix in plumbing that can add value to your home?
Tapware is the most cost effective solution to give your bathrooms and kitchens a face lift - particularly if you are replacing white or plastic tapware with chrome.
Remember to match all the fittings throughout your house, as it’s important to ensure continuity.
Photo: Supplied
How important is getting a plumber in rather than trying to fix something yourself?
Very important. Plumbing issues will always become worse over time and what could start as a small leak will inevitably become a much bigger problem and more expensive to fix.
Having them repaired correctly by a professional will ensure less damage, less expense and peace of mind.
But importantly, we should try to preempt potential issues and fix them before they become major.
A good tip would be to check your hot water unit, by way of its age, its general condition or leaks. This is especially important as we come into the winter months - you don't want to be left without hot water!
How can someone tell if the plumbing in their house is ‘healthy’?
To find out how healthy your plumbing is, check for strong water pressure by turning on taps in different parts of the house.
You should also check for odours from drains, wet, damp or mouldy patches, particularly on ceilings, under basins or sinks.
Water leaks in your garden for underground piping are also something to watch out for. Taps should not jam or be hard to turn off and toilets should all flush correctly.
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Tree root found in pipe. Photo: One2One Plumbing
A few other things homeowners or tenants should know?
You should always know the location of your main water isolation point and metre.
This will be located at the front of your property on the median strip and will allow you to turn off the water to your home in an emergency.
Become familiar with your pipework and general plumbing so you can quickly detect issues if they arrive.
What’s your best story about fixing plumbing?
I received an emergency call out to an aged care facility on Christmas Day one year.
Long story short, I ended up having Christmas lunch, wearing a Santa hat and singing jingle bells with the residents!